National Tree Day is an annual Australia-wide event promoted by PLANET ARK, a Not-for-Profit environmental organisation, which has invited community organisations including local councils to host a group activity with the choice of an appropriate location for the plantings of trees, shrubs and local grasses as a mark of recognition of National Tree Day.
The Rotary Melbourne Board has approved a proposal from the Environmental Sustainability Committee that Club members with a family member or friend participate in a volunteering role on National Tree Day by joining a planting that a community group has organised.
The FRIENDS OF DANDENONG VALLEY PARKLANDS is an active environmental community group that on the advice of Parks Victoria has selected NORTONS PARK, WANTIRNA SOUTH as a site to host a planting which we have chosen for our Club members to volunteer on.
Nortons Park
Nortons Park is readably accessible using the Monash Freeway for part of the way. The specific location is a former paddock that is being returned to bushland with indigenous plants: 2,500 plantings in all - 300 trees, 1,600 shrubs and 600 grasses all from tube stock, so no heavy lifting.
Other important details are:
o Timings: While the day commences at 10am and is due to complete at 3.30pm, most of the work is done before a bbq lunch at 12.30/1.00pm.
o FOOD: the bbq lunch is to be a ‘sausage sizzle,’ with salad and bread. Some people may wish to bring a mid-morning snack and it is recommended to have a water bottle. Facilities are nearby.
o TOOLS/EQUIPMENT: will be supplied but volunteers are welcome to bring their own trowels as they could come in handy.
o CLOTHING: It is important to wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions especially strong footwear. Certainly bring outdoor gloves, especially if the ground is damp.
o Health and safety protocols will be explained on site at the commencement of the plantings with any perceived risks explained. A COVID safe plan will be in place pertaining to State regulations and guidelines.
o Planet Ark have advised that Children must be accompanied by a parent, or grandparent.
o The hosting group believes this will be a popular planting site attracting volunteers so numbers may be limited especially for group bookings. If Club members are thinking of volunteering, better to book sooner rather than later.
Bookings can be made by emailing environment@rotarymelbourne.org.au which will be forwarded to the Friends of Dandenong Valley Parklands.
Any questions about the day can be directed to Ari Talantis ari.skinner@gmail.com or Peter Berg pberg8@bigpond.net.au
